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Marriage Between Women in Korean Classical Novels

  • Journal of Korean Literature
  • 2020, (41), pp.29-57
  • DOI : 10.52723/JKL.41.029
  • Publisher : The Society Of Korean Literature
  • Research Area : Humanities > Korean Language and Literature
  • Received : March 31, 2020
  • Accepted : May 10, 2020
  • Published : May 31, 2020

Choi Ji Nyeo 1

1홍익대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

The motif of the same-sex marriage in Korean classical novels, which is often centered on marriages between women, can be said to be an incomplete marriage in that disguised woman and other women have a temporary marriage relationship. Same-sex marriages are often seen in the heroine novels and family novels, especially in the three works of Hongbaekwhachon, Bujangyangmunrok and Banghanlimjeon. Same-sex marriage motifs make up a large portion and play a significant role in these three works. The meaning of same-sex marriage in the three works can be summed up in three ways: First, the women of same-sex marriage, who are good-looking and has ability of 'pen' and 'sword' show their ability and subjectivity in pushing for marriage. Second, same-sex marriage plays a role in widening the narrative, increasing interest, but ultimately streamlining polygamy. However, in Banghanlimjeon, there is no male protagonist, so same-sex marriage is a mechanism that denies the union with men outside the patriarchal system. Third, the symbolism of the aenghyeol-a sign of chastity indirectly shows the ethical sensibility of readers by wiping out sexuality in the union of homosexuals. In terms of the degree of use of same-sex marriage materials and the initiative of the subject, the three works generally form a spectrum in the order of Hongbaekwhachon, Bujangyangmunrok and Banghanlimjeon.

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